Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: ORCA_SIX on April 18, 2011, 08:55:14 AM

Title: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: ORCA_SIX on April 18, 2011, 08:55:14 AM: Anybody have recommendations for lightweight spotting scopes? I was looking at the Nikon ED50, 16 ounces, 13-30x50 magnification. It would preferably need to be in the 12-20 ounce range with a magnification variable somewhere between 12x40 power. Thoughts, suggestions, personal experience?
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: Alan K on April 18, 2011, 05:54:23 PM: Check this one out:

http://www.leupold.com/observation/products/spotting-scopes/golden-ring-spotting-scopes/golden-ring-15-30x50mm-compact/ (http://www.leupold.com/observation/products/spotting-scopes/golden-ring-spotting-scopes/golden-ring-15-30x50mm-compact/)
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: jackelope on April 18, 2011, 06:01:34 PM: I just picked up this one...it's flat awesome for the $$
http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-minox-spotting-scope-md-50.html (http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-minox-spotting-scope-md-50.html)
22 ounces and about the size of a pop bottle.
The guys on 24hourcampfire say it is equal or better than the little Nikon and a hell of a lot cheaper. You can buy a demo model on cameralandny.com for <$200.00
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: Alan K on April 18, 2011, 06:05:33 PM: I'm assuming you want this for backpacking since you're so concerned about weight, that's why I mentioned the one before.

If you can settle for a bit heavier scope though, and are willing to spend a bit more. . .

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-12-40x60mm-golden-ring-hd-spotting-scope.html (http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-12-40x60mm-golden-ring-hd-spotting-scope.html)
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: bullchaser on April 18, 2011, 07:51:30 PM: I have Nikon ed 50 it is a great scope you cant beat it for the money. i weighs around one pound.
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: ORCA_SIX on April 18, 2011, 09:23:29 PM: Thanks guys, all good info. That little Minox looks like a good deal also. Just need to get to the store and see what I like best now.
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: columbiaman on April 21, 2011, 10:26:08 AM: check out this one

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/ridgefield-angled.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/ridgefield-angled.html)
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: jackelope on April 21, 2011, 10:33:00 AM: Quote from: columbiaman on April 21, 2011, 10:26:08 AM
check out this one

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/ridgefield-angled.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/ridgefield-angled.html)

thats a great scope but not what I would call lightweight or compact.
It's 51oz and 14" long.
These are some pics of the Minox I got that Miles posted in another thread here:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,72861.msg895407.html#msg895407 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,72861.msg895407.html#msg895407)
It weighs 22oz.
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: ORCA_SIX on April 21, 2011, 10:37:20 AM: Definitely good on size and not taking up a lot of room.
Title: Re: Lightweight Spotting Scopes?
Post by: MtnMuley on April 22, 2011, 04:26:26 PM: Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60mm. HD or Non, it's the best overall scope made in my opinion.